USC begins spring practice this afternoon, and we’ll have complete coverage here afterward and the rest of the week.

In the meantime, I thought I’d take a look at five unheralded, or at least less heralded, players to watch. There are no stars here but guys whose development could be pivotal for the 2015 Trojans (players listed in alphabetical order).

TE JALEN COPE-FITZPATRICK

Coach Steve Sarkisian said the following about his tight ends in USC’s spring media ...

USC begins spring practice Tuesday afternoon. For a big-picture look at the Trojans, check out my spring preview story here. For some additional subplots, check out the questions and answers below.

1. How much can Adoree’ Jackson handle?

As a freshman last season, Jackson played on defense, offense and special teams. Since then, he has added long-jumping (and the 4X400 relay) for the track team to his plate. He’ll do all of the ... Read the rest of this entry »

There was energy in the building and on the court. The Trojans had seven dunks. They played a fast, fun, freewheeling style. The question is: Can they sustain it? Can they make it their identity next season and for several after that? I have my doubts, as any rational person who has watched ... Read the rest of this entry »

Embattled coach Andy Enfield – I think it’s safe to describe him as “embattled” now – basically called out some of his players after the game. He didn’t name names but said: “Our better offensive players that shoot a ...

USC coach Andy Enfield dropped a bombshell at the end of his postgame news conference Wednesday night:

Not only will freshman point guard Jordan McLaughlin need season-ending shoulder surgery, he might require procedures on both shoulders.

McLaughlin needed surgery to repair a torn labrum after his senior season at Etiwanda High. He dislocated his right shoulder on Jan. 2 against Utah, then suffered a similar injury to his left shoulder against Oregon on Feb. 11.

* Three players recovering from injuries/surgeries will participate but will be held out of contact: tailback Tre Madden (toe), linebacker Jabari Ruffin (knee) and defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow (knee).

Welcome to the calm before the storm, Pac-12 rankings readers. We're only two weeks away from Vegas, with only two more ranks left this season before our long summer hibernation. This list might seem settled -- for the second week in a row, there was only one dispute (hint: this time, colleges editor Todd Bailey was overruled). But don't believe the lack of drama just yet. With two tickets to the dance already punched (Arizona and Utah) and one probably ...